LGBT Atlanta

ATL Insider BLog

ATL Insider BLog

Explore Atlanta’s Diverse In-Town Hot Spots

Explore Atlanta’s Diverse In-Town Hot Spots

Part of what makes Atlanta so special is that LGBT life is not restricted to a single neighborhood, but is spread through the metro area. While Midtown continues to the be the center of gay life in Atlanta and amongst the most renowned “gayborhoods” in the South, LGBT clubs, stores and nightlife can be found in all Atlanta neighborhoods from redeveloped areas like West Midtown and East Atlanta, to nearby suburbs like Decatur and East Point.

Downtown

While the downtown culture is centered around tourism at world-renowned attractions and events at large-scale conference venues and arenas, art galleries thrive in nearby Castleberry Hill. The area is emerging as Atlanta's next gayborhood, as young professional members of the LGBT community flock to the area to become homeowners.

Atlanta’s original gayborhood, Midtown is the core of LGBT life in Atlanta. The intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue is considered the starting point for many LGBT visitors to the city. Not only is Midtown the cultural hub of Atlanta, it is also the home for gay nightlife in Atlanta and showcases just how diverse Atlanta’s LGBT community is.

West Midtown is one of Atlanta’s freshest neighborhoods, with its revitalization highlighted by Atlantic Station -- a true place to live, work, play. Just down the road at the Westside Provisions District, you’ll find the sharpest haberdasheries around along with decadent dining options.

Ansley Mall and Cheshire Bridge Road are beacons for LGBT partygoers as an abundance of of nightlife and entertainment options have sprung up. Technically located in Midtown, the Ansley Square shopping complex is a virtual gay courtyard featuring gay bars and retail shops.

Known as Atlanta’s wealthiest neighborhood, Buckhead’s claim to fame is its legendary shopping anchored by the upscale Phipps Plaza and neighboring Lenox Mall. It is also home to Atlanta’s first and only gay sports bar, Woofs, which draws crowds for poker nights and viewing parties.

Cabbagetown’s industrial roots are represented in the businesses and restaurants that line Memorial Drive in Grant Park, the city’s largest historic district. Gay and lesbian-owned restaurants and shops can be found in both Cabbagetown and Grant Park, and gay-popular eateries such as Agave and Tin Lizzy’s are always full of fun.

Little Five Points is particularly known as a hippie ‘hood, and is home to notable record stores and thriving indie music and theater scenes. Adding to the neighborhood’s street cred is Charis Books & More, a lesbian and feminist bookstore that has persevered for decades and continues to draw crowds for readings, performances and workshops.

A mix of eclectic stores, restaurants, charming houses, duplexes and nightlife options create a vintage vibe in East Atlanta Village, an area known for its alternative sensibilities. The area is also home to My Sister’s Room, the only lesbian bar in Atlanta. Just down the street is Mary’s, an offbeat gay bar that features legendary karaoke.

Considered the most politically progressive area in Georgia, Decatur is perfect for visiting and still feeling at home. And according to U.S. Census data, it's consistently among the top 10 cities with the highest percentage of same-sex couples. As the hometown of the Indigo Girls, Decatur has long been a popular destination for lesbians.

Adjacent to downtown, the trendy bars, restaurants and boutiques located on Edgewood Avenue in Old Fourth Ward bring new life to this historic neighborhood. New restaurants and nightlife options have brought more excitement to Edgewood and hot spots continue to pop up.

Acclaimed for its diverse and unique shopping, the walkable streets of Virginia Highlands are alive with charming sidewalk cafes, trendy night spots and innovative cuisine at progressive restaurants and bistros. The annual SummerFest held each June, is also among Atlanta’s most popular neighborhood festivals.

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Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Established in 1913, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the city and serves to favorably impact Atlanta's economy through conventions and tourism.